S.B. No. 706 amends the Government Code to enhance the recognition of handgun licenses issued by other states in Texas. The bill specifies that a valid handgun license from any other state is recognized in Texas, and it mandates that the governor negotiate agreements for reciprocal recognition of such licenses if required by the other state. Additionally, the Texas Department of Public Safety is tasked with publishing and annually updating a list of states that recognize Texas-issued handgun licenses.

The bill also repeals Sections 411.173(c) and (d) of the Government Code, which previously outlined conditions for recognition based on background checks and other requirements. This streamlining aims to simplify the process of recognizing out-of-state handgun licenses and eliminate previous stipulations that may have complicated the recognition process. The act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 411.173 (Government Code 411)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 411.173 (Government Code 411)
Engrossed: Government Code 411.173 (Government Code 411)
House Committee Report: Government Code 411.173 (Government Code 411)
Enrolled: Government Code 411.173 (Government Code 411)